Category: Natural Beauty

Beauty Minimalism Ritual: New Year, New Approach

Say goodbye to complicated beauty routines and say hello to a beauty minimalism ritual.

As the beauty industry continues to inundate us with products and promises, it’s easy to find ourselves trapped in multi-step routines that seem more daunting than effective. What we want is a skincare ritual grounded in self-care rather than an overly complicated beauty routine. A ritual that is as straight forward as it is sustainable, with simple steps and even simpler ingredients.

Fortunately, some beauty brands are out here making moves! These brands are championing the need for uncomplicated skincare. From face masks that you can eat to Ayurvedic skincare lines that are personalized for your dosha, more and more beauty brands are embracing those simple ingredients and simple steps that we’ve all been craving.

Selia & Co is one brand that I’m super excited about. Harnessing the power of organic teas and botanicals, Selia & Co offer a line of products that are chock full of plant-based antioxidants with absolutely no artificial preservatives. Click on the images below for more info!

Soothing Skin Essentials

 

Those combinations are giving me all the feels! You know me, stay tuned and I’ll be back with some DIY versions that won’t break the bank. Until then, go forth, splurge and pamper yo’ self!

4 Tropical Beauty Recipes to Try This Spring

Harness the power of tropical fruit and ocean water with these easy beauty recipes! Perfect for reawakening your springtime and summer beauty routine.

  BRIGHTENING PAPAYA FACE MASK

Packed with antioxidants, vitamin-C and natural fruit enzymes, the papaya is a staple ingredient in many Australians beauty routines. Rich in natural AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids), papaya helps to break down dead skin cells and even out skin tone and texture. Blended with anti-inflammatory oatmeal, yogurt and honey, this mask will help to reveal a refreshed, glowing complexion. For those with sensitive skin we recommend using this mask every two weeks.

INGREDIENTS

¼ ripe papaya (Use the rest for this skin-loving tropical smoothie recipe!)
3 heaped tbsp Greek yogurt
2 tbsp finely ground rolled oats
2 tbsp honey

METHOD

  • STEP 1

    Remove the skin and seeds of the papaya and slice the flesh into cubes.

  • STEP 2

    Using a food processor, combine all of the ingredients.

  • STEP 3

    Apply a thick layer of the mask to the face and rinse off after 30 minutes for bright, glowing skin.

      COCONUT COFFEE BODY SCRUB

    This coconut coffee scrub is a great, chemical-free way to exfoliate and revitalize tired skin. Massaging the coffee grounds into the skin helps to stimulate the circulation and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Rich in antioxidants, the coffee grounds help to increase collagen production while their high caffeine content also help to stimulate blood cells, toning and tightening the skin. Blended with hydrating coconut oil, this scrub will leave you feeling (and smelling) amazing.

    INGREDIENTS

    1 cup of raw sugar
    ½ cup of coconut oil
    2 tablespoons desiccated coconut
    2–3 tablespoons cocoa
    2 tablespoons ground coffee

    METHOD

    • STEP 1

      Submerge a small bowl of coconut oil in boiling water to soften and allow it to cool but not solidify.

    • STEP 2

      Combine all the ingredients and store in an airtight container or mason jar.

    • STEP 3

      Use 2-3 times a week for soft, silky skin.

       LAVENDER BATH SALTS

      The benefits of bathing in Epsom salt has been known for centuries. Rich in magnesium, a mineral we are often lacking, bathing in the salts helps to flush the body of environmental pollutants, ease joint pain and reduce inflammation. Blended with either lavender or rose essential oil, this healing soak is the perfect way to unwind after a long day.

      INGREDIENTS

      1 cup Himalayan pink salt
      1/2 cup Epsom salts
      1/2 cup baking soda
      10 drops rose or lavender essential oil

      METHOD

      • STEP 1

        Combine the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.

      • STEP 2

        Store in an airtight container or mason jar to preserve the fragrance of the lavender.

      • STEP 3

        To use, add two tablespoons of the soak to a warm bath and enjoy.

          SEA SALT HAIR SPRAY

        Many hair care brands have worked to develop products that mimic the salty properties of the sea. Using a blend of sea salt, nourishing coconut oil and conditioning aloe vera, this recipe is sure to create waves, no beach necessary.

        INGREDIENTS

        1 cup warm water
        1 Tbsp sea salt
        1 tsp Epsom salt
        1 Tbsp organic coconut oil
        1 Tbsp aloe vera gel
        5 drops essential oil, optional

        METHOD

        • STEP 1

          Pour the warm water into an empty spray bottle and combine ingredients.

        • STEP 2

          Put the cap on the bottle and shake until the sea salt and Epsom salts are dissolved.

        • STEP 3

          To use, spray on damp hair and towel scrunch until dry

Continue reading “4 Tropical Beauty Recipes to Try This Spring” →

Reset Your Skin Care Routine With These Spring Ready DIY Masks

These DIY face masks are perfect for transitioning your skin care routine from Winter to Spring! Using natural ingredients, you can whip these up in minutes, and customize them even further to suit your skin type. Short on time? You can head over to Brandless and shop their clean skin regimen line. Really, really short on time? Check out the benefits of cleansing grains and pre-mixed masks.

For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin needs a little extra TLC. These three ingredients have been specially selected for their soothing and calming properties.

  • 2 tablespoon of ground rolled oats
  • 1 tablespoon of organic natural yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon of raw honey

Mix these ingredients into a paste, apply to clean skin and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off, using warm water with gentle circular motions. Pat dry.

Ingredient break down:

  • Rolled oats – Soothing and anti-inflammatory, oats contain saponins which gently exfoliate and cleanse your skin.
  • Yogurt – The AHAs found in yogurt provide gentle exfoliation to the top layer of the skin without causing redness.
  • Honey – Superfood for your skin! Honey has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties and provides moisture.

for dry skin

Packed with antioxidants and healthy fats, this face mask will help moisturize and nourish dry skin.

  • 1/2 ripe avocado
  • 1/2 ripe banana
  • 1 tablespoon of organic natural yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon of honey

Mash both the avocado and banana together, then add the rest of your ingredients to form a paste. Leave to set for 10 minutes then use warm water when it’s time to wash it off, and lightly pat dry.

Ingredient break down:

  • Avocado – Packed with antioxidants, brightening vitamin C and moisturizing fatty acids to help maintain moisture in the epidermal layer of your skin
  • Banana – Contains amino acids to help maintain skin elasticity
  • Yogurt – AHAs get rid of dead skin cells
  • Honey – Is a natural humectant, meaning it helps to hydrate your skin by locking in moisture

for acne prone skin

  • ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • Juice of ½ Lemon
  • ½ teaspoon of green tea powder (such as matcha)

Mix all ingredients until fully blended together and apply to clean, damp skin. The naturally antibacterial properties of the honey mixed with the anti-inflammatory cinnamon and green tea powder can help calm acne breakouts.

Ingredient break down:

  • Cinnamon – Antimicrobial properties help to prevent bacteria build-up
  • Honey – Antibacterial and moisturizing (as you can tell, honey is a stable in many natural face masks).
  • Lemon – Full of vitamin C, brightens and tightens skin.
  • Green Tea – Filled with antioxidants to help protect your skin from free radicals

Fall Scented Natural Skin Care

I love the smell of everything Fall. Cedar, pine, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, and cardamom are all fragrances that I can’t get enough of when the seasons start to change. I usually stock up on some essential oils and make my own skin care products inspired by all things Fall. But isn’t it so appealing when you can just buy exactly what you’re looking for without the fuss. Enter Pantry Products, an all-natural, small-batch apothecary based in Brooklyn, NY and Reno, NV. No doubt aromatherapy is good for the soul, and when Fall rolls around, Pantry Products’ Fall Essential Goodies really serves up some warm fragrances to protect us against that crisp, drying air. Here are some of my favorites!

Autumn Spice Sugar Scrub

Autumn Spice Sugar Scrub is a 100% natural blend of organic coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil, raw sugar, vitamin e, ground orange peel, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and cardamom.

Spiced Chai Lip Balm ingredients include organic coconut oil, raw shea butter, pure beeswax, therapeutic-grade essential oils, castor oil for shine, and carrot seed oil for sun protection. These Lip Balms come in other yummy Fall flavors like orange-vanilla and earl grey.

 Lemon + Vanilla and Coconut +Chai Hand Lotions are a blend of organic lotion, aloe gel, vitamin e, and pure essential oils.

Vanilla + Spice and Cardamom + Clove Air & Linen Sprays will round out your spa days at home by adding a lovely blend of essential oils to the air, or even your bath towels!

Pumpkin Seed Oil Will Take Your Fall Beauty Routine to the Next Level

It’s that time of year again… all pumpkin everything. I’m not complaining. While I might take a pass on those pumpkin lattes, you’ll definitely find me snacking on pumpkin seeds, eating this divine pumpkin beer sharp cheddar gnocchi soup, and slathering my skin in this amazing pumpkin based face mask all season long. Pumpkins are amazing, y’all.

Every year I try to incorporate at least one seasonal beauty recipe into my routine. This year, I’m totally crushing on Pumpkin Seed Oil. Pumpkin Seed Oil is rich in vitamin E, zinc, omega 3- and 6- fatty acids, and antioxidants. The high amounts of zinc and vitamin E improve skin tone, help wounds heal more rapidly, fight acne and help with skin renewal. Even better, many of the minerals and vitamins in Pumpkin Seed Oil have anti-aging effects as well. This versatile carrier oil is the perfect addition to your fall beauty routine. Use it as a cleanser. Use it as a toner. This stuff does it all! Check out these Pumpkin Seed Oil beauty recipes that are sure to become your Fall beauty routine faves!

Pumpkin Seed Oil Daily Face Cleanser

Ingredients

  • ½ c raw honey
  • 1 tbsp pumpkin seed oil (find it here)
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 3-5 drops tea tree oil

Directions

Mix ingredients together and apply to damp skin. Massage your face and neck in a circular motion and rinse off with warm water.

Pumpkin Seed Oil Toner

This is an easy one. If you love witch hazel and you often use it as a toner then you know that it can quickly dry out your skin as the weather gets colder. Pumpkin Seed Oil will be your new best friend. Simply add equal parts Pumpkin Seed Oil and witch hazel to keep your skin both toned and moisturized. You may need to play with the proportions a bit to suit your specific skin care needs.